Under immediate (Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist I) to general (Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist II) supervision, assists in implementation and administration of the District’s backflow prevention and cross connection control program; inspects water system installations to protect the District’s public water supply from contamination; investigates, tests, and inspects backflow devices for compliance with regulations; coordinates, schedules, and conducts cross connection surveys of the potable or recycled water systems; schedules and performs cross connection testing on dual source sites in accordance with state requirements; and performs related duties, as assigned.

CLOSING DATE & TIME: August 7, 2025, 4:00PM Pacific Time

SALARY:

• Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist I:
  • Range 212: $37.40 - $46.59 Hourly; $6,482.67 - $8,075.60 Monthly
• Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist II:
  • Range 215: $43.30 - $53.93 Hourly; $7,505.33 - $9,347.87 Monthly

**_Personnel in this classification are subject to on-call, which may include rotating-duty schedule, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice._*

**_Personnel in this classification are required to be within a 60-minute on-call response time radius._

The ideal candidate will have the ability to interact smoothly with customers, be self-motivated and able to manage tasks utilizing common sense and good judgement and have the ability to express technical information to the public in a patient and educational way. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be inquisitive and eager to learn, investigate, and find solutions to cross connection issues.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist I: This is the entry-level classification in the Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine duties involving the testing and repair of new and existing backflow devices within the District service area. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXCERCISED

Receives immediate (Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist I) to general (Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

BENEFITS: For an overview of EMWD's excellent benefits package please click on the following link: EMWD Benefits Summary

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EMWD’s mission is to deliver value to our diverse customers and the communities we serve by providing safe, reliable, economical and environmentally sustainable services.

EMWD is a leader in sustainability efforts that provide long-term benefits to the environment and establishes EMWD as an industry front-runner in adapting to climate change. We have invested in solar energy programs that provide significant environmental benefits, are modernizing our fleet vehicles to be further reliant on clean energy, and have a long-term strategic priority to further reduce our carbon footprint while reducing financial impacts to customers.

Required Skills

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a cross connection control program.
• Practices, principles and techniques of cross connections.
• Basic legal requirements of cross connections devices.
• Cross connection control problems and their prevention.
• Procedures, practices and techniques applicable to water supply and related distribution equipment and facilities.
• Modern utility construction, installation, and repair methods.
• Operating characteristics of plumbing, water system, and related devices.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Review and interpret blueprints, plans, and manufacturers’ manuals pertaining to commercial and industrial complexes to determine compliance with regulations and standards.
• Analyze and interpret the results of a variety of cross connection control tests and tests of water.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare appropriate reports.
• Operate and maintain testing equipment.
• Perform inspections on a variety of water systems.
• Collect, enter, and edit GPS data for mapping purposes.
• Perform assigned work in accordance with appropriate safety practices and regulations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Required Experience

Any combination of experience and education that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, along with the specific licenses/certifications as outlined below:

Experience:

• Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist I: One (1) year of experience in the administration, testing, and inspection of backflow prevention devices or cross connection control surveys.
• Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist II: Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in the administration, testing, and inspection of backflow prevention devices or cross connection control surveys.

Education:

• Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by college level coursework in water science and/or cross control programs.

Licenses/Certifications:

• A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s Vehicle Insurance Policy.
• Possession of a valid Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate issued by an organization that is recognized by the State Water Board.
• Possession of a Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification issued by an organization that is recognized by the State Water Board.
• Recycled Water Site Supervisor certificate.

Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist I: Possession of a valid Grade D1 State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate.
Backflow and Cross Connection Control Specialist II: Possession of a valid Grade D2 State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a cross connection control program.
• Practices, principles and techniques of cross connections.
• Basic legal requirements of cross connections devices.
• Cross connection control problems and their prevention.
• Procedures, practices and techniques applicable to water supply and related distribution equipment and facilities.
• Modern utility construction, installation, and repair methods.
• Operating characteristics of plumbing, water system, and related devices.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.
• District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Review and interpret blueprints, plans, and manufacturers’ manuals pertaining to commercial and industrial complexes to determine compliance with regulations and standards.
• Analyze and interpret the results of a variety of cross connection control tests and tests of water.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare appropriate reports.
• Operate and maintain testing equipment.
• Perform inspections on a variety of water systems.
• Collect, enter, and edit GPS data for mapping purposes.
• Perform assigned work in accordance with appropriate safety practices and regulations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.